San Rafael Swell Recreation Area Management Plan

[Get in the Wild]

Yesterday, I attended a public information/comment meeting for the San Rafael/Goblin Valley Recreation Area Management Plan. It was a collaborative meeting between the BLM, Utah State Parks and Emery County. Many of you have probably heard about the PLI Initiative which would transfer some federal lands to the state of Utah. As part of this, there is a proposal to make 130,000 acres of BLM land near Goblin Valley a new San Rafael Swell State Park. Much of this has been promoted due to heavy public use on BLM land in the vicinity of the park. It's clear if this new park becomes reality, there will likely be some significant changes in store for the canyoneering community. The BLM scoping period is open through December 4, 2016. If you use this area and have thoughts or comments on this proposal, I recommend sending them to the BLM at the following link: https://eplanning.blm.gov/epl-front-office/eplanning/planAndProjectSite.do?methodName=dispatchToPattern Page&currentPageId=100536 You can also find information on the proposal at the Salt Lake Tribune article here: http://www.sltrib.com/news/1783323-155/state-swell-rafael-san-goblin-park Lastly, there will be a second scoping/public comment meeting in Castle Dale, Utah tonight from 6-8 p.m at the Emery County Courthouse located at 1850 North 560 West.

[Scott P]

Personally, I don't see a problem with it. The State Parks in Utah do a pretty good job.

[uintafly]

Not a fan. It looks like it would include Quandary, The Squeeze, and Knotted Rope. Maybe Cable Canyon as well though I would have to pull out a map to check. Paying to enter is annoying, but not the end of the world. Dealing with a Zion like permit system though? No thanks. The area around Little Wild Horse and from Goblin to behind the reef road is overcrowded and would make sense to include in the park, but when was the last time you ran into anyone, other than a few canyoneers near Hidden Splendor?